Arlene Pellicane

Guilt Free Thanksgiving: 5 Specific Ways to Keep Calories Under Control

Follow these easy guidelines to really savor your Thanksgiving feast. Read on so you won’t go overboard and have any regrets about your holiday.

When someone says "thanksgiving dinner," many women cringe. Turkey, mashed potatoes, yams with melted butter and brown sugar, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie…how can anyone lose weight or even maintain under these dangerously delicious conditions?

Here are five specific things you can do at Thanksgiving to minimize damage to your waistline:

1. Before dinner is served, avoid grazing and mindless snacking as you catch up with friends and relatives. Skip nuts, candies and crackers on the table. Only have something if it’s very unique (like your aunt’s famous artichoke dip) and only eat one serving. Remember, dinner is coming.

2. Drink lots of water. Water will help you feel full and it’s your best ally. Think about making water the only beverage you choose. If you must have something hot to drink with dessert, try a cup of tea.

3. Eat whatever you want at dinner in small portions. Don’t make mounds of food on your plate. This is not "Mom’s All You Can Eat Buffet – Come and Git It!" Instead imagine you’re eating at a beautiful French restaurant. Take a slice of turkey with a dollop of gravy. A small scoop of potatoes with cranberry sauce on the side. Eat slowly and savor the delicious meal that has been lovingly prepared.

4. Share your dessert with someone or ask for a small slice. Ten minutes after dessert has been cleared off the table, you won’t remember whether you had 10 bites or 20 bites. But your body will!

5. Talk a walk after dinner. This is a wonderful family tradition and a great way to burn off a few calories. As you walk with your family members and friends, you have a chance to catch up more intimately than a large dinner table conversation allows.

Remember, Thanksgiving is a time to be cherished. There’s nothing to cringe about. Follow these five easy instructions and enjoy the time with your family and friends without the guilt.

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